Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-LedgerPatrik Elias (right), with Zach Parise, returns to the Devils' lineup Friday night.The Devils won't be able to work Patrik Elias back into their lineup slowly.

Stepping in at center for the injured Rob Niedermayer, Elias will make his 2009-10 debut Friday night against the Islanders.

"He'll have to play. I would say he's going to play from 17 to 19 minutes," coach Jacques Lemaire said. "We'll see how it goes and how he plays."

Elias said he won't get too fancy too soon.

"Just keep it simple. Play smart," he said after the morning skate.

Asked how he felt, he added: "Okay. A little bit sore after yesterday's practice, but manageable."

He will also have to control his emotions. I asked him if he was excited.

"Not overly. It will come as game time arrives," he said. "This is not the first time I'm coming back after a long time after an injury. Yes, it will be exciting. Obviously I'll be a little bit nervous. I just have to make sure I calm myself down and play smart hockey."

Why would he be nervous?

"I think every time you step into a game, even after training camp the first couple of games you have to get used to it again," he explained. "The atmosphere is different, everything."

Lemaire said the team is fortunate to have a player like Elias to step in for Niedermayer, who suffered an upper body injury Wednesday night.

"Obviously it's a big and important player to lose, but Patrik is coming back tonight," Lemaire said. "I think our team will be similar. Nieder is a big part of this team. Patrik will help to sustain what we were doing."

Playing Elias at center instead of left wing was not how Lemaire wanted to do it.

"If Niedermayer had been in, then Patrik would have played on the left side," the coach said. "Right now he has no choice.

"(Elias) hasn't played all year. Hasn't had a lot of practices, but he's a guy who looks in good shape. Not playing shape, but he didn't gain any weight. So, to me it won't take long. Maybe his passes won't be as crisp and accurate but I think he'll be effective."

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It hasn't taken Andy Greene long to become a key part of the Devils' defense. With Paul Martin (fractured left forearm) and Johnny Oduya (lower body injury) out, Greene led all Devils defensemen with 25:46 against the Capitals Wednesday night.

"From training camp to right now he's a totally different player. I would say he's the player who stands out most after the start of the season. He's good with the puck, makes good plays and is very calm on the ice. He doesn't get rattled. He does everything good."

Greene never had a chance to play this much the last two seasons under Brent Sutter, but he may have been a steady presence had he not broken hand Oct. 29.

"I was feeling the same as I am now when I broke my hand last year," Greene said. "I think when I came back I played fairly regularly up to the trade deadline. I think I had a chance last year."

His chance ended when the Devils acquired Niclas Havelid at the deadline.

So why should Lemaire be surprised by the way Greene is playing?

"He's new to the team. I don't know what to say," Greene answered. "My job is to play my game and show him."

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Asked if defenseman Jay Leach might be called up for the game, Lemaire said: "We'll see."